Thomson Reserve development encourages ‘change’

THOMSON Reserve’s sporting clubs are looking forward to a new chapter of inclusivity and junior development for female players following a major uplift of their changeroom facilities.

Thomson Cricket Club alongside Thomson Football Netball Club have welcomed the new changes made to their changerooms through a female-friendly sporting facilities grant made possible by local and state government funding.

“Our previous changeroom facilities were, to put it simply … old school,” Thomson FNC president Craig Jacka said.

“In addition to catering to our female participants at the club, the new rooms will allow us to concentrate on expanding our junior program after what has been a very difficult two-year period.

“Not only do we hope the new changerooms get us back players that we have lost, but also some new ones, particularly players for our female programs.”

New changeroom features include full shower and toilet cubicles in addition to an accessible toilet and shower, and an operable wall to turn one full AFL-sized changeroom into two smaller changerooms.

Geelong councillor Peter Murrihy is hopeful the Reserve’s changeroom development will lend itself towards the recent surge of female footballers across the region.

“The project supports Thomson Football Netball Club in its desire to develop a female football program, a goal that was not achievable with its previous facilities,” Cr Murrihy said.

“The changerooms will also help in recruiting more quality talent to the sports in what is a very competitive local environment.”

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens highlighted the need for female-friendly facilities in growing areas to help keep up with exploding demand at the local sports level.

“With grassroots sports back on the park, more than ever growing communities and clubs like those here in Thomson need quality facilities they can depend on,” Ms Couzens said.

“The new clubroom spaces are a great win for local sport and community and provide the perfect place for the community to reconnect and enjoy the big games.”

Council provided $150,000 towards the development while the Victorian Government injected $500,000 through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s female-friendly sporting changeroom facilities stream.